What is Mercy?

Read: Matthew 9:27-33

This story begins with 2 blind men crying out to Jesus as He passes by, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

The people of that day knew that one day, the Messiah, the long-promised Savior would come from the ancestry of King David.  The fact that these two blind men addressed Jesus as the “Son of David” clearly shows that they knew who Jesus was, the Messiah. 

Mercy is not a word we often hear in everyday conversation today. Let’s explore some definitions.

Webster’s dictionary defines mercy as, “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power.”

From the original language of the Bible, these definitions came to light:

“to give aid, assistance to the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched.” 

“granting even to the unworthy, favor, benefits, opportunities.”

“to feel sympathy with the misery of another, especially when it manifests itself in action.”

Grace is being given what we don’t deserve. 

Mercy is not being given what we DO deserve. 

Despite their blindness, these two men could clearly see who Jesus was.  He was the Messiah, the One who had come from God, with all of God’s divine power and authority. That is why they responded to Jesus question, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” with a resounding, “YES!”  

By faith these blind men realized that they were asking for what they did not deserve to receive.  But still, they were willing to:

 CRY OUT, to put their desires into words, to humbly ask for His help.

They were unafraid of embarrassment, or how much trouble they might get into for calling Jesus the Messiah.

They trusted in Jesus ability to heal them, and in His heart of compassion to act on their behalf. 

And Jesus did just that, even though He knew they would not obey His command to not tell anyone.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your endless grace and mercy to me!  I know I don’t deserve any of it.  Thank You for granting me your undeserved favor, benefits and opportunities in Your great mercy.  Your mercy and compassion are so great, You took the punishment I deserved and went to the cross for me!  Help me to be the reflection of love and compassion to the people I touch today.